History of Mariamabad
National Marian Shrine
The history of the National Marian Shrine and Church of St. Mary and St. Joseph in Mariamabad is closely tied to the foundation and development of the village itself as one of the oldest Catholic settlements in Pakistan.
Founding of Mariamabad (1892-1893)
1892: Belgian Capuchin missionaries, led by Bishop Emmanuel Van Den Bosch, purchased 150 acres of government land in the Sialkot District (now Sheikhupura District) of Punjab. The purpose was to establish a Christian settlement for new converts facing oppression.
1893: The first three Christian families and three priests moved to the land, which was named Mariamabad (“City of Mary”). This movement is sometimes compared to the Biblical Exodus in local Christian history.
Marian Shrine
Establishment of the Church and Grotto (1898-1927)
+ December 8, 1898: The Church of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph was formally established by the Belgian Capuchins in the village.
+1927: The original Marian grotto, featuring a large statue of the Virgin Mary, was built by a missionary Fr. Oscar. This grotto became the central focus of Marian devotion.
Development as a National Shrine and Pilgrimage Center
+ In 1949 Fr. Frank Ofm Cap. initiated the cherries the tradition of the annual pilgrimage of Mother Mary in Mariamabad, held annually around the Feast of the Nativity of Mary 8th September. Fr. Frank laying the foundation for a spiritual journey that continue to draw countless faithful to the sacred place of devotion.
+ In 1975 the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference the Shrine of Mariamabad is here by titled and declared as The National Marian Shrine Mariamabad Pakistan. Through the zealous effort of Fr. Emmanuel Asi the National Marian Shrine Pakistan had been promoted as a year around pilgrim.
A French nun imparts catechism to ‘chuhra’ children in Mariamabad in the 1920s or 1930s. Credits: Source unknown
Strategic Goal:
The pilgrimage was deliberately designed by the missionaries as a Christian alternative to local Muslim and Hindu festivals (mela or yatra) to help new converts solidify their Catholic faith and prevent a relapse into older practices.
Modern Significance and Recent Events
Mariamabad: The National Shrine of Mariamabad is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone its 75th Anniversary. This sacred place has been a beacon of hope and faith for generations, and the upcoming jubilee is a testament to the enduring power of devotion and spirituality.Fr. Tariq George Rector of the National Marian Shrine extended a warm welcome to all pilgrims and faithful, inviting them to join in the celebrations. He expressed his joy and gratitude for the opportunity to mark this significant occasion. This year’s Jubilee celebration will be a momentous occasion featuring:
- The launch of a new book showcasing the Miracles of Mary.
- Monuments of 75th Jubilee 2024.
- A collection of hymns in her honor.
- The distribution of T-Shirt
- Key chains symbolizing the unity and joy of the faithful.
- A New Iron Shed
- Road Lights
Foundation stone for New Marian Grotto at Mariamabad
The foundation stone of the new Grotto at the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad was laid on May 13, 2024, by His Grace Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, accompanied by Fr. Asif Sardar, Fr. Tariq George, and other dignitaries. This new Grotto, dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, is designed to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims, providing ample space for prayer, reflection, and contemplation.
August 24, 2024: A newly constructed Grotto of Mother Mary was inaugurated, a larger structure designed to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, visited Mariamabad on March 31, 2024, during Easter. Furthermore, this historic visit marks the first time a Chief Minister has visited Mariamabad in its 131-year history. Additionally, for the first time in 131 years, a Bishop/Archbishop celebrated the Holy Mass with the faithful at the National Shrine on Easter this year.
Fr. Tariq George emphasized the significance of this jubilee year, urging the faithful to come together as one family and express their devotion and love to Holy Mary. He prayed that Holy Mary, the Queen of Mercy and Love, may always protect and bless the families and homes of the faithful.
The history of Mariamabad is a testament to the endurance of the Christian community in Pakistan and the strategic efforts by missionaries to establish an autonomous and spiritually vibrant center for the faith in the region. The shrine is known for its interfaith appeal, attracting not only Christians but also Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs who come to seek the Virgin Mary’s blessings.
The site developed into a major pilgrimage center, attracting hundreds of thousands, and sometimes over a million, pilgrims annually.
